Climate Rush occupy Heathrow Airport

Both Heathrow and Manchester airports are being targeted today in the second mass action by 'Climate Rush'. The domestic departure lounges of both airports are being simultaneously occupied by protesters staging a sit-down 'dinner'. In response to a call out from a new art collective called 'ARTPORT', performers, musicians and artists are also attempting to creatively transform Heathrow Terminal 1.

Many of those attending are dressing in an Edwardian style. The same was true when Climate Rush held their first mass protest last October (13/10/08). Taking inspiration from the Suffragettes, over 800 women, men and children rushed the Houses of Parliament causing the doors to be slammed shut and kept closed for over an hour while the shouts of 'Deeds not Words' echoed throughout the Palaces of Westminster.

Todays actions were timed to coincide with MPs return to the house of commons. This week the government is expected to announce the go-ahead for Heathrows third runway.

Climate Rush Links: Climate Rush Heathrow | Northern Climate Rush | Directions to Heathrow | FAQs | Artport

Related articles: Climate Rush Media coverage | Parliament Rushed | Suffragettes interrupt the Energy Minister in preparation for the Climate Rush | Parliament statues get sashed | invitation to Ed Miliband | Klimax members storm a municipal city council |Third Runway Article, Telegraph | Party at Heathrow, Guardian | Heathrow Blockade, Times | Protesters Plot, Evening Standard |Caroline Lucas, Guardian | Protesters to close Heathrow | A flying start to the new year for anti-aviation campaigners

Video and photos: Parliament Rush Photos | Climate Rush Photos | Video 1 | Video 2 | Video 3 | Caroline Lucas speech | Rush Invite

Climate Rush chose Heathrow as its target because the decision over the third runway is expected this week and are hoping their action will give the government a clear idea of the level of action to expect if they give the go-ahead.

Last year anti-aviation campaigners 'Plane Stupid' blockaded the runway at Stansted in opposition to proposal to expand the airport there. Last week the first batch of activists were sentenced for their part in the action. Twenty two people were sentenced for their part in the action and causing 57 flights to be cancelled. Most of the activists were ordered to do between 50 and 90 hours of community service, some where fined.

A Plane Stupid spokesperson, Leo Murry said, "The sentences were surprisingly harsh but we went into it with our eyes open and we are ready to take the consequences."

District Judge John Perkins said, "Substantial loss was caused to the authorities that were carrying out lawful activities. I accept there is an honourable tradition of peaceful protest in this country and long may it continue, but that does not justify the sort of activity that you were involved in."

More than 50 Plane Stupid activists now face being sued for damages by Ryanair who have begun a £2.2 million compensation claim for loss of revenue after being forced to cancel 57 flights. They are also seeking almost £500,000 for "reputational damage". At the moment the claim is against Stansted operators BAA but the airline has refused to rule out suing individual protesters in the civil courts at a later date.

Airport operator BAA is believed to have been behind the Plane Stupid website being taken offline by their internet service providers. Additionally some people who'd said they'd attend the Climate Rush at Heathrow were sent intimidat

 Homepage: http://www.climaterush.co.uk/